Information providing system

ABSTRACT

The object of this invention is to collect a data without using a specialized system such as sensor terminals and provide a data to a terminal device. The information provision system according to this invention is provided with fixed data transmitters and sensing data transmitters. When terminal device 23 moves into a predetermined space (sensor field), the terminal device receives a predetermined fixed data from the fixed data transmitter, and/or a sensing data obtained by sensing from the sensing data transmitter. The terminal device then transmits these received data to data processing server 21 along with a process request via a network. The data processing server can execute a processing based on these received data and the process request, and generate a process data in order to provide for the terminal device.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a terminal device, such as a mobileterminal device that is used to access any of a variety of informationprovision services providing specified fixed data (data) such aspositional data and/or sensing data collected by various informationcollection centers, a data processing server that is used in conjunctionwith this terminal device, and an information provision system that usesthis information provision server; in particular, it relates to aninformation provision system and information provision method that arebased upon the receipt of acquired information by the terminal device offixed data and/or sensing data, and a data processing server thatprocesses that acquired information and generates the processed data onthe terminal device. It further relates to the program and programmedia.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

In recent years, the development of mobile information terminal devicessuch as transportable terminal devices (e.g. portable telephones andPDAs) has allowed users to want access to various information provisionservices wherever they happen to be. In other words, there is a need formobile terminal devices to be able to use information provision servicesirrespective of their location.

In general, with such information provision services, a data processingserver is connected with a specialized system to collect theinformation, and the data processing server uses this specialized systemto collect various types of information. Then, the data processingserver is accessed by the mobile terminal device to see the requiredinformation.

For example, in a road traffic information system, the data processingserver would collect sensing data on vehicular traffic using sensors oranother type of specialized system, and then based upon this sensingdata, would determine the road traffic situation for each local area.Then, the mobile terminal device would be able to reference this roadtraffic status information.

At this point, an example of a conventional information provision systemwill be explained with reference to FIG. 33.

In the example of the Figure, the data processing server 11 collectssensing data that is obtained for the object being sensed through aspecialized system. The specialized system is comprised of sensorterminal 12 and a plurality of various types of sensors 13. The sensingdata collected by the various types of sensors 13 is collected in thedata processing server 11 via sensing terminal 12. The terminal device(e.g. mobile terminal device 14) is connected with a base station (notshown) and a network (e.g. the Internet) 15 to data processing server11. The data processing server 11, can access the processing results(processed data) based upon the sensing data. The mobile terminal device14 depicted in FIG. 33 has the capability to display to the user ornotify the user of processing results based on its communications andsignal reception functions.

The information provision system diagrammed in FIG. 33 can be used whenthe various sensors 13 are not too distant from the data processingserver 11. If the data processing server is to collect sensing data froma remote object being sensed, then it is necessary to have network 16disposed between the data processing server 11 and the sensing terminal12 as is shown in FIG. 34.

In other words, when the data processing server 11 is to obtain sensingdata remotely, rather than by connecting sensor terminal 12 with dataprocessing server 11 via a dedicated line, the connection via network 16between data processing server 11 and sensor terminal 12 makes itpossible to collect the sensing data less expensively. This network 16may be the same network as network 15.

When the data processing server 11 and the sensor terminal 12 areconnected via network 16, it is necessary for information server 11 andsensor terminal 12 to both be connected to network 16 via its standardconnection method. It is further necessary at sensor terminal 12 to haveID processing (ID acquisition) to distinguish the various types ofsensors 13, and to perform its processing in synch with network 16.

Thus, when network 16 is used to acquire sensing data, as is shown inFIG. 35, sensor terminal 12 must have a network support function 12 a, adata notification function 12 b, a sensor connection function 12 c and asensor surveillance function 12 d. The network support function 12 amaintains a connected state with data processing server 11 via network16, and it performs processing for the purposes of communications (forexample to reduce network traffic, etc.) The sensor connection function12 c maintains a connections with sensors 13.

The sensor surveillance function 12 d oversees the types and theoperational states for sensors 13, and passes sensing requirements tothem from the data processing server and, using the data notificationfunction 12 b, gives sensor surveillance information to data processingserver 11. On the other hand, when a sensing requirement is generatedfrom data processing server 11, the information notification function 12b is used to send the sensing data to the data processing server.

When the sensor terminal 12 is located in relative close proximity tosensors 13 and when the information server tries to acquire sensing datafrom sensors located in a large number of places, a plurality of sensorterminals would be required. Further, since there are limitations uponthe number of sensors that may be connected to each sensor terminal 12,if the number of sensors is increased to beyond that limit, it is alsonecessary to increase the number of sensor terminals.

To wit, as shown in FIG. 36, the first through third sensor terminals12-1, through 12-3 are connected via network 16; it comprises adistributed system in which sensors 13 are connected to the firstthrough third sensor terminals 12-1 through 12-3.

As described above, in cases where the object being sensed is remotelylocated, it is generally necessary to employ a network 16 between dataprocessing server 11 and sensor terminal 12. This has the inherentproblem of the sensor terminal itself being a high cost item. When usinga distributed system, as a result of the requirement to increase thenumber of sensor terminals in use, such an information provision systemitself can become very expensive.

On the other hand, striving to reduce the number of sensor terminalsoften results in increasing the number of sensors served by a singleserver terminal, and the more centralized the system becomes (the fewerthe number of sensor terminals), there is the problem of an even greaterthe load being imposed upon the sensor terminal.

In addition, despite there being limited data processing requirementsfor the mobile terminals devices, considering the a large number ofmobile terminal devices, the data processing server 11 must oversee andcollect the data from all of the sensor terminals (or sensors). Thus,data processing server 11 must constantly oversee the sensor terminals(or sensors), and as the number of sensors increases, so does thesurveillance load upon the data processing server, and it may increaseto the point its regular processing functions are compromised.

If configuring an information provision system with the foregoingproblems areas in mind, it would be necessary to configure a specializedsystem based upon the type of sensors (in other words, the type ofsensing data), but that would then create the further problem as adirect result, that other information provision systems could not usethe same specialized system because the type of sensors would bedifferent. In other words, the problem with the prior art informationprovision systems was that they lacked universality. For example, atraffic information provision system would be difficult to use as iswith another type of information provision system.

Further, when using a connection to network 16, if there were a largenumber of sensors 13 in close proximity, such systems required eachindividual (user) to manage his own sensors 13, which often created asense of psychological oppression. With the system depicted in FIG. 37,sensor 13 (shown as a “sensing equipment”) had a data sensing function13 a and an information transmitting function 13 b. This sensor 13 wasconnected to data processing server 11 via network 16. The sensor 13would use its data sensing function in order to obtain sensing data forthe user by sensing the object of the sensing, and then its informationtransmitting function 13 b would be used to send the user sensing datato data processing server 11 via network 16. In other words, dataprocessing server 11 collected the user sensing data from the sensor 13.

In a building, for example, the sensing equipment 13 could besurveillance cameras, etc. installed in the building and data processingserver 11 would be the surveillance Center (this surveillance Centercould surveille a plurality of facilities as well). In this type ofsystem, when a user discovered the sensing equipment 13 (step P1) orwhen user activity information was collected at data processing server11 (surveillance Center) (step P2), he would have the feeling that hehimself was being surveilled (step P3), which would mean that the userwould have the unpleasant feeling of being subjected to surveillance(step P4). This would generate the idea of refusal behavior in his mind(step P5) and the user would act out that behavior (step P6, forexample, to exit the area).

Thus, if the objects of the sensing were all people, such as users, whenthe users found that they were under surveillance, an unpleasant feelingwould develop, and in many cases, the users would attempt somehow toprevent that surveillance. In any case, as shown in the system depictedin FIG. 37, information was being collected (such as information ontheir actions) that was against the will of the individuals, users,etc., involved. In other words, the users would not utilize the sensingdata because it was collected against their will.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the present invention is to provide a terminal devicewhich collects information without a requirement for a sensor terminal,a data processing server to use in conjunction with this terminaldevice, an information provision system using this data processingserver, and a method of information provision.

An additional objective of the present invention is to provide aterminal device with excellent universality, a data processing server touse in conjunction with this terminal device, an information provisionsystem using this data processing server, and a method of informationprovision.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an informationprovision system that reduces the load on the data processing server andan information provision method.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a programand a program media that will satisfy the foregoing objectives.

The present invention provides a terminal device, which is characterizedin that it is equipped with a terminal transmission means that cantransmit, via a network to a data processing server, sensing data it hasacquired from receipt the sensing data comprising pre-specified fixeddata and/or sensed physical phenomena or physical quantities; and aterminal reception means that can receive processed data based upon theforegoing acquired data from the foregoing data processing server.

In this manner, the terminal device sends acquired data to a dataprocessing server, and after it generates processed data, allows anappropriately processed data to be obtained that is based upon theacquired data.

This terminal device is further equipped with a notification means thatmakes notifications on the foregoing data acquisition and the foregoingdata processing, and when the foregoing acquired data is transmitted tothe foregoing data processing server, in cases when the foregoingacquired data requires a special processing program to process it fortransmission, a downloading means that allows the foregoing specialprocessing program to request a download from the foregoing dataprocessing server to thereby retrieve said processing program.

Further, the present invention provides a data processing servercharacterized in that it is equipped with a server reception means thatcan receive the foregoing acquired data from the foregoing terminaldevice, a server processing means that can generate processed data byprocessing the foregoing acquired data, and a server transmission meansthat can transmit said processed data to the foregoing terminal device.

Since the foregoing data processing server needs only to generateprocessed data based upon the acquired data from the terminal device, towit, it needs only transmit to the terminal device, processed data basedupon processing requests and its acquired data, the data processingserver is not a specialized system such as a sensor terminal, it merelycollects information. Thus, there is no need to use a specializedsystem, which thereby improves the universality of this system.

The data processing server also has a fee assessment means that enablesthe amount of the fee to be computed based upon the foregoing processeddata and that fee information to be transmitted to the foregoingterminal device. The foregoing fee assessment means can accumulate theamounts of fees assessed by each of the foregoing terminal devices.Further, should the foregoing fee assessment means determine from thegeneration of the foregoing processed data that a fee is required, theamount of the fee will be notified in prior to the completion of thegeneration of the processed data and be sent to the terminal device.

Further, the foregoing server processor means, when generating theforegoing processed data based upon the acquired data and when aprocessing request is sent from the foregoing terminal device thatinformation is required from another server to provide the requisiteinformation, it may also generate the processed data that was based uponthe aforementioned acquired data and the aforementioned requiredinformation.

In cases where the data processing server is requested by the foregoingterminal device for the foregoing download, it is equipped with a searchmeans that searches the processing programs for the download program inresponse to the download request.

Further, the present invention provides an information provision systemthat is characterized in that it is equipped a fixed data transmitterthat transmits pre-specified fixed data, a terminal device that receivesthe foregoing fixed data from the fixed data transmitter, which islocated within a predetermined space, and then sends out the foregoingfixed data via a network as acquired data, and a data processing serverwhich provides to the foregoing terminal device, processed data basedupon the data acquired from the foregoing terminal and the processingrequest from the foregoing terminal device.

This information provision system may employ a terminal device that isinstalled or carried within the confines of a predetermined space thatis equipped with a sensing data transmitter that can transmit sensingdata acquired through the sensing of physical phenomena or physicalquantities so that the foregoing terminal device may transmit thatsensing data as the above described acquired data to the data processingserver.

Thus, predetermined fixed data and/or sensing data may be transmittedfrom the data transmitter for receipt as fixed data by the terminaldevice, which exists within a predetermined space. Because this terminaldevice transmits this fixed data as acquired data via a network to thedata processing server along with a processing request, the dataprocessing server can generate processed data based upon the processingrequest and the acquired data and then transmit it back to the terminaldevice, which, as a result, allows the data processing sever to collectdata without incorporating a specialized system such as a sensorterminal.

Also, the universality of the system is improved since there is no needfor a specialized system. Further still, since there is no need tomanage sensors or a sensor terminal, it is possible to reduce the loadon the data processing server. In other words, it is only necessary forthe data processing server to manage the acquired information that issent from the terminal device, it does not need to manage all of thesensor data. To wit, only the information needed by the terminal devicehas to be managed.

The foregoing terminal device may be a first and a second terminaldevices. The foregoing first terminal device would transmit theforegoing data processing request and additionally, the foregoingacquired data would be transmitted as the first set of acquired data.The aforementioned acquired data would be transmitted from the foregoingsecond terminal device as the second set of acquired data, and the dataprocessing server, based upon the foregoing processing request and theforegoing first set of acquired data, would prepare processed data,which based upon the second set of acquired data would be transmitted tothe foregoing second terminal device. The foregoing fixed datatransmitter may be a mobile transmitter.

In addition, the present invention provides an information provisionmethod characterized in that it is comprised of a first step in which aterminal device installed in a predetermined space receives. fixed data,a second step in which the foregoing terminal transmits the foregoingfixed data as acquired data via a network, and a third step in which thedata processing server receives the foregoing acquired data, thengenerates processed data based upon the foregoing acquired data and theprocessing request from the foregoing terminal device, and provides thatprocessed data to the foregoing terminal device.

In this manner, the data processing server need only to generate theprocessed data based upon the processing request and the acquired data,and then transmit it to the terminal device. As a result the dataprocessing server does not need a specialized system such as a sensorterminal to perform its information collection. Not requiring aspecialized system increases its universality.

Further, since the data processing server does not need to manage thesensors. and sensor terminal to measure physical phenomena or physicalquantities, this can lower the load of the data processing server.

It would also be possible, as the foregoing first step, to have theforegoing terminal device receive transmissions of the sensing resultsof physical phenomena or physical quantities, and then in the secondstep, for the foregoing terminal device to transmit said sensing data asthe acquired data to the foregoing data processing server.

In addition, the present invention discloses a data processing programfor a computer which functions in a manner characterized in that aterminal transmission means obtains sensing results, received asacquired data, of predetermined fixed data and/or physical phenomena orphysical quantities, which is transmitted via a network to the dataprocessing server, and a terminal reception means to receive theprocessing results from the foregoing data processing server thatprocessed the foregoing acquired information.

In this manner, the acquired data is transmitted to the data processingserver to generate processed data, thereby making it possible to obtainappropriately processed data based upon the acquired data.

Further still, the present invention discloses a recordable media uponwhich a data processing program is recorded that is readable by acomputer which is characterized in that, in a first step, a terminaldevice installed in a predetermined space in a computer receives apredetermined set fixed data, in a second step, the terminal devicetransmits the foregoing fixed data as acquired data via a network, andin a third step the data processing server receives the forgoingacquired data, and based upon that acquired data and the processingrequest from the foregoing terminal device, processes that data togenerate processed data ,which is then sent to the foregoing terminaldevice.

By the use of such a recording medium in this invention, the dataprocessing server needs only to generate processed information basedupon the processing request and acquired data and then to transmit it tothe terminal device. As a result, the data processing server can collectits data without requiring a sensing terminal or other specializedsystem. The universality of the system is improved because there is noneed for such a specialized system.

A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example of an information provisionsystem according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the place (sensing field) from which theterminal device in use can acquire sensing data or fixed data.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the function of the sensing datatransmitter; (a) a function block diagram of an active sensing datatransmitter; (b) a function block diagram of a passive fixed datatransmitter.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration for asensing data transmitter.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the function of the fixed data transmitter;(a) a function block diagram of an active fixed data transmitter, (b) afunction block diagram of a passive fixed data transmitter.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of thefixed data transmitter.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardwareconfiguration of the terminal device in use.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardwareconfiguration of a data processing server.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of the passivesensing data transmitter.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a passive typefixed data transmitter.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a first exampleof the user terminal device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a secondexample of the user terminal device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a third exampleof the user terminal device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a first exampleof the data processing server of FIG. 8.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a secondexample of the data processing server of FIG. 8.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of a third exampleof the data processing server of FIG. 8.

FIG. 17 is an example of the screen display when the user terminaldevice is a wireless telephone, (a) is a menu of information about thepresent location, (b) is a figure showing that data is being received,and (c) is location information.

FIG. 18 is a figure showing an embodiment an information provisionsystem according to this invention used to provide information aboutcommuter train operations.

FIG. 19 is an example of the screen display of the system in FIG. 18when the user terminal device is a wireless telephone, (a) shows themenu for commuter train arrivals, (b) is the menu for selecting thetrain line, (c) is a figure showing that sensing data is being received,(d) is a diagram showing that data is being transmitted to a Center, (e)is a diagram showing that data is being received from a Center, and (f)is a diagram showing the scheduled commuter train arrival.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart used to explain the operation of the systemshown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is an example of the screen display of another system examplewhen the user terminal device is a wireless telephone, (a) a figureshowing the function selection menu, (b) a diagram showing downloads arepossible or not possible, (c) a diagram showing that a download is beingrequested, (d) a diagram showing that a program is being received, (e) adiagram showing a weather information menu for the destination area.

FIG. 22 is a figure used to explain the download of a program to acquirethe weather information described in FIG. 21 for the destinationlocation.

FIG. 23 shows the screen display on a wireless telephone of the acquiredweather information, (a) a figure showing the fee, (b) a figureindicating information is being transmitted to the Center, (c) a diagramindicating that information is being received from the Center, (d) adisplay of weather information.

FIG. 24 is an example wherein the user terminal device is the vehicleitself.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the configuration of the terminal deviceof FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of the configuration of the specializedequipment in the device/equipment of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is an example showing the user terminal device of FIG. 7 beingused in conjunction with an in-vehicle LAN.

FIG. 28 is a diagram shown an example of the connections between theuser terminal device of FIG. 27 with the connection area of thespecialized device or equipment.

FIG. 29 is a figure showing when the user terminal device is installedin the portable telephone in the vehicle shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 30 is a figure showing an example of a taxi dispatching system usedas the information provision system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 31 is another example of a taxi dispatching system used as theinformation provision system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a bus operations management system used asthe information provision system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of an example of a conventional informationprovision system.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a network connecting the dataprocessing server and the sensor terminal in a conventional informationprovision system.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram used to describe the functions of the sensorterminal in a conventional information provision system.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of the connection of a pluralityof sensor terminals to an information provision server via a network ina conventional information provision system.

FIG. 37 is a figure used to explain user discomfort when information onthe user's activities is being collected by a conventional informationprovision system.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In theseembodiments, unless otherwise stated, any specific mention of suchdetails as the dimensions, materials, or relative positioning of any ofthe component parts should not be construed as to limit the scope ofthis invention; they are merely included for purposes of explanation.Numerical values and the like appearing in the description below do notin any way limit the scope of this invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, in the information provision system shown inthe figure, data processing server 21 is connected to network 22 (e.g.the Internet), and network 22 is connected to user terminal device 23.Data transmitters 24 are located at predetermined intervals, and thesedata transmitters 24 have sensing data transmitters 24-1 that transmitsensing data on the object of the sensing, and fixed data transmitters24-2 that transmit predetermined data as fixed data (e.g. positioninformation). As will be described below, user terminal device 23receives this sensing data and/or fixed data and sends it to dataprocessing server 21. Then, data processing server 21 performs therequisite processing upon the sensing data and/or fixed data to produceprocessed data that is then sent to user terminal device 23.

The object being sensed may provide physical phenomena or physicalquantity type data, for example, objects of sensing can be related toempty space such as temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, wind force,brightness, etc. Examples of fixed information would be place names,position (latitude/longitude) and other such fixed information that isinstalled into transmitter 24-2.

As is shown in FIG. 2, when user terminal device 23 and data transmitterare located in the same space (in a predefined space), user terminaldevice 23 may receive sensing data and fixed data transmissions fromdata transmitter 24. Hereinafter, this sort of space will be called a“sensor field.” The sensing data transmitter 24-1 is not necessarilylocated in the same spatial area as the object of the sensing, and solong as the information acquired from the object of the sensing can betransmitted to user terminal device 23, then it need not be located inthe same spatial area.

With reference to FIG. 3, the Figure shows a function block diagram thatillustrates the functions of sensing data transmitter 24-1. The sensingdata transmitter 24-1 is a so-called “sensor” and this sensing datatransmitter 24-1 may be equipped with active sensors and passivesensors. As indicated in FIG. 3(a), an active sensor would have the datasensing function 24 a and the data transmission function 24 b. The datasensing function 24 a detects (senses) the object of the sensing andobtains sensing data on its physical phenomena or physical quantities.This sensing data is transmitted by the data transmission function 24 bto the user terminal device 23.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), with passive sensors, inaddition to data sensing function 24 a and data transmission function 24b, a request reception function 24 c has been added. When requestfunction 24 c receives a sensing information request from user terminaldevice 23, that request is relayed to the data sensing function 24 a.This causes the data sensing function 24 a to detect the object of thesensing to obtain a physical phenomena or physical quantity as sensinginformation, which is sent to user terminal device 23 as sensing datavia the data transmission function 24 b.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration for thesensing data transmitter 24-1. The sensing data transmitter 24-1 iscomprised of sensing unit 25, computer unit 26, memory unit 27, andtransmitting unit 28. With regard to passive type sensing datatransmitters 24-1, they are further equipped with a receiver unit (notshown). In the example in the figure, sensing unit 25 detects physicalphenomena or physical quantities for the object being sensed.

The sensing data, as explained in FIG. 3, is transmitted fromtransmission unit 28 to user terminal 23. At this time, computer unit 26is generating sensing data by processing the detected physical phenomenaor physical quantities. Memory unit 27 a holds a control program, etc.,and also provides temporary storage for the data.

Further, with regard to a passive sensing data transmitter 24- 1, basedupon the sensing data request received by the its computer unit 26,sensing unit 25 acquires physical phenomena data or physical quantitydata to generate sensing data, which is then transmitted fromtransmitting unit 28 to the user terminal 23.

Also, the sensing data transmitter 24-1 can be equipped with a pluralitysensing units 25, and a computer unit 26 and memory unit 27 may be addedif needed. Thus, in the simplest example, physical phenomena or physicalquantities detected by sensing unit 25 are sent to the user terminaldevice 23 from transmitter unit 28.

FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram for the fixed data transmitter24-2; the fixed data transmitter 24-2 may be either an active type or apassive type. As is shown in FIG. 5(a), the active type fixed datatransmitter 24-2 is equipped with a data transmitting function 241 anddata retention function 242. The data retention function 242 holds thefixed data.

Data retention function 242 is constantly holding fixed data which ispassed to data transmitting function 241. Active type fixed datatransmitter 24-2 functions as active type data tags. What is meant by“fixed information,” is, for example, place name information, addressinformation, name information (such as train station name, buildingname, platform number in the train station, building floor number, roomnumber, etc.)

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b) for the passive type fixed datatransmitter 24-2, in addition to its having data transmitting function241 and data retention function 242, it has a request reception function243. When a fixed data request is received from user terminal device 23by the request reception function 243, that request is relayed to dataretention function 242. This causes the fixed data being stored by thedata retention function 242 to be sent to the data transmissionfunction. Thus, passive type fixed data transmitter 24-2 functions as apassive tag.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for fixed datatransmitter 24-2. The fixed data transmitter 24-2 is comprised of fixeddata memory unit 31, fixed data read/write (R/W) unit 32, computer unit33, memory unit 34, and transmitter unit 35. In a passive type fixeddata transmitter 24-2, there is an addition receiver unit (not shown).In the example in the figure, fixed data is stored in fixed data memoryunit 31.

This fixed data is written into fixed data memory unit 31 by fixed dataR/W unit 32, and the fixed data that has been written to fixed datamemory unit 31 is also read from fixed data memory unit 31 by fixed dataR/W unit 32. The fixed data is written to fixed data memory unit 31 inadvance by fixed data R/W unit.

Fixed data that has been read from fixed data memory unit 31 undergoesprocessing in computer unit 33 (for example, converted into transmissiondata) and then, to explain with reference to FIG. 5, it is sent fromtransmitter unit 35 to user terminal device 23. A control program or thelike is stored in memory unit 34 along with the data. Further, in apassive type of fixed data transmitting unit 24-2, fixed data R/W 32 iscontrolled by the computer unit 33 based upon the receipt of fixed datarequests by the receiver unit, and the appropriate fixed data is thenread from fixed data memory unit 31.

Next, the hardware configuration for user terminal device 23 will beexplained with reference to FIG. 7.

User terminal device 23 is used by the user, and it is equipped with,for example MM (man-machine) input/output unit 36, sensing equipmentcommunications unit 37, computer unit 38, memory unit 39, networkcommunications unit 40, and database (DB) management unit 41. DBmanagement unit 41 manages process program unit 42, sensing data DB 43,processed data DB 44, and program data unit 45.

As previously described for FIGS. 1 and 2, user terminal device 23 sendsand receives data via network 22 to and from data processing server 21(it sends sensing data and fixed data and receives processed data), andin addition, it presents various types of information to the user. MMinput/output unit 36, comprised of an input unit and output unit,functions as the interface with the user. Examples of input unitsinclude a keyboard, ten numerical keys, mouse, microphone, barcodereader, etc.

The output unit would have, for example, a display, printer, speaker,etc. Computer unit 38 would be driven by and carry out processingdirected by the various functions of user terminal device 23; it iscomprised of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). Memory unit39 provides the memory area for computer unit 38 to execute programs,and it may be comprised of ROM and RAM. Network communications unit 40enables connections to the outside via a network 22 (for example, withdata processing server 21) by controlling the communications. Sensingequipment communications unit 37, as described above, receives sensingdata from the aforementioned sensing data transmitter 24-1 and fixeddata transmitter 24-2, and in addition, it transmits processing requestsin the case that sensing data transmitter 24-1 and fixed datatransmitter 24-2 are of the passive type.

The process program unit 42 includes the programs to provide theinformation presentation function to the user, to acquire sensing dataand fixed data, and to transmit to data processing server 21. Theoperating system (OS) is also included within process program unit 42.Also, as will be described below, a program to perform downloads fromdata processing server 21 has also been written into process programunit 42. Sensing data DB 43 allows for the temporary extraction ofsensing data and fixed data that was obtained from sensing datatransmitter 24-1 and fixed data transmitter 24-2 in order that thesensing data and fixed data undergo processing in computer unit 38.

Processing data DB 44 holds processing data obtained from dataprocessing server 21. In addition to the above described functions,program data unit 45 may store other programs or data in order torealizes its full function. For example, program data unit 45, when theuser terminal device 23 is a computer, may include word processing orspreadsheet software, and when user terminal device 23 is a wirelesstelephone, it may have a program to implement communications functions.

The hardware configuration of data processing server 21 will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8.

As described above, data processing server 21 receives sensing dataand/or fixed data and sends processed data to user terminal device 23.Data processing server 21 is comprised of, for example, MM (man-machine)input/output unit 46, network communications unit 47, computer unit 48,memory unit 49, and DB management unit 50. DB management unit 50administers data processing program unit 51, download program DB 52,accumulated services fees DB 53, and program data unit 54.

MM input/output unit 46 functions as the interface with the operator,and it has both input and output units. Examples of input units includea keyboard, numerical key pad, mouse, microphone, barcode reader, etc.Examples of output units include a display, printer, speaker, etc.Computer unit 48 provides computing functions to drive the variousfunctions of data processing server 21 and to perform processing; itconsists, for example, of a CPU. Memory unit 49 provides a memory areafor computer unit 48 to execute programs, which consists, for example ofROM and RAM. Network communications unit 47 controls communications vianetwork 22 with user terminal device 23.

Programs that perform the desired processing upon the sensing data andfixed data are stored in data processing program unit 51, which alsoholds the OS. Download program DB 52 contains programs to utilize theprocessed data from data processing server 21, and these programs can bedownloaded in response to requests issued via user terminal device 23.

Accumulated service fees DB 53 contains in its memory the accumulatedcost for each user terminal that were generated in response toprocessing performed by data processing server 21. Program data unit 54stores programs and other data that is necessary to implement functionsother than those described above. It may have, for example, wordprocessing software fore use by the server operator.

At this point, the operation of an information provision systemaccording to the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 1, and FIG. 9 through FIG. 16.

Here, if we specify that sensing data transmitter 24-1 is a passive typeof sensing data transmitter, as is shown in FIG. 9, computer unit 26(FIG. 4) oversees whether or not an information request (transmissionrequest) has been received via the receiver unit from user terminaldevice 23 (step S1). If a transmission request has been received, thenphysical phenomena or quantity data is obtained from sensing unit 25(FIG. 4) (step S2). Then, computer unit 26 sends the physical situationor quantity type sensing data to user terminal device 23 via transmitter28 (FIG. 4) (step S3). On the other hand, if no transmission request hasbeen received, computer unit 26 performs other processing (step S4), andreturns to step S1.

Also, as is shown in FIG. 10, at fixed data transmitter 24-2 (assumingthat fixed data transmitter 24-2 is of the passive type) computer unit33 (FIG. 6) oversees as to whether or not an information request(transmission request) has been received from user terminal device 23via the receiver unit (step S11); if a transmission request has beenreceived, the fixed data R/W unit (FIG. 6) is controlled to cause theappropriate fixed data to be read from fixed data memory unit 31 (stepS12). Then, computer unit 33 transmits this fixed data to user terminaldevice 23 via its transmitter unit 35 (FIG. 6) (step S13). On the otherhand, if no transmission request has been received, computer unit 33performs other processing (step S14), and returns to step S11.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the user operates user terminal device 23,computer unit 38 (FIG. 7) determines whether or not a data transmissionrequest has been made to data transmitter 24. To wit, it determineswhether it is necessary to send a transmission request to datatransmitter 24 (step S21). Computer unit 38 transmits a transmissionrequest to data transmitter 24 via sensing equipment communications unit37 (FIG. 7) (step S22).

Thus, in a manner similar to that explained for FIGS. 9 and 10, sensingdata and fixed data is sent from data transmitter 24 to user terminaldevice 23. If no transmission request is required, computer unit 38 mayperform other processing (step S23), and then return to step S21.

Computer unit 38 oversees whether or not data has been received from thedata transmitter 24 (step S24), if data (acquired data) has beenreceived from data transmitter 24 computer unit 38 makes the furtherdetermination of whether processing is required (step S25). To wit, itdetermines whether processing is required at the data processing server21. If it determines processing is required, computer unit 38 controlsnetwork communications unit 40 (FIG. 7) to send the acquired data vianetwork 22 to data processing server 21 (step S26).

As will be described later, data processing server 21 processes theacquired data (sensing data and/or fixed data) to generate processeddata. Then, data processing server 21 sends the processed data to userterminal device 23. However, when no data is received from datatransmitter 24, the computer may engage in other processing (step S27)before returning to step S24.

On the other hand, in step S25, when the determination is made thatprocessing is not required, computer unit 38 outputs the acquiredinformation to MM input/output unit 36 (step S28), and processing iscompleted.

Computer unit 38 oversees whether processed information has beenreceived from data processing server 21 (step S29), if processedinformation has been received from data processing server 21, computerunit 33 outputs the processed information to MM input/output 36 (stepS30), and processing is completed. However, if no processed informationis received from data processing server 21, it is free to perform otherprocessing (step S31) before returning to step S29.

FIG. 11 was used to describe the case where the processing correspondingto that explained for FIGS. 9 and 10 is performed in the user terminaldevice (to wit, when data transmitter 24 is of the passive type), butwhen data transmitter 24 is of the active type, processing is performedas shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, processing steps that correspond tothose described for FIG. 11 bear the same reference numbers, and furtherexplanation of them will be omitted.

With an active type data transmitter 24, sensing data or fixed data isconstantly being sent out, so computer unit 38 oversees whether data hasbeen obtained from the active data transmitter via sensing equipmentcommunications unit 37 (FIG. 7) (step S41). When there is data inputfrom active type data transmitter 24, computer unit 38 acquires thatdata (step S42). However, if there is no data input from active datatransmitter 24, it may engage in other processing (step S43), beforereturning again to step S41. When computer unit 38 acquires data fromthe active type data transmitter 24, a procedure similar to thatdescribed for FIG. 11 is followed from step S25.

Next the program download operation by user terminal device 23 from dataprocessing server 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

When computer unit 38 is engaged in the processing shown in FIG. 6 and adetermination is made that a processing program must be downloaded (stepS51), it issues a download request for a processing program to dataprocessing server 21 via network communications unit 40 (FIG. 7) (stepS52). As will be further elaborated, data processing server 21 respondsto the download request and downloads the appropriate processing programto user terminal device 23.

If there is no need for the download of a processing program, computerunit 38 may engage in other processing (step S53) before returning tostep S51.

After the issuance of the download request, computer unit overseeswhether or not the processing program has been downloaded from dataprocessing server 21 (step S54), and if the processing program has beendownloaded from data processing server 21, it executes that processingprogram (step S55). When not downloading a processing program, computerunit 38 may engage in other processing (step S56) before returning tostep S54.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 14, computer unit 48 of data processingserver 21 oversees whether acquired data (sensing data and/or fixeddata) has been transmitted from user terminal device 23 (step S61). Inother words, computer unit 48 oversees whether sensing data and/or fixeddata has been received. When sensing data and/or fixed data have beenreceived, computer unit 48 controls DB management unit 50 to read infrom the data processing program unit 51, the appropriate program forprocessing said sensing data and/or fixed data (step S62).

Then, based upon the processing program, computer unit 48 processes thesensing data and/or fixed data to generate processed data (step S63).After that, computer unit 48 controls network communications unit 47 totransmit the processed data to user terminal device 23 (step S64), andprocessing is then completed.

However, if no sensing data and/or fixed data is received, computer unit48 may perform other processing (step S65) before returning to step S61.

As shown in FIG. 15, when a download request is issued from userterminal device 23 (step S71), computer unit 48 controls DB managementunit 50, to cause the designated processing program to read in fromdownload program DB 52 (step S72). Then, computer unit 48 controlsnetwork communications unit 47 to transmit this download program to userterminal device 23 (step S73), and then processing is completed.

If there is no download request, computer unit 48 may engage in otherprocessing (step S74), before returning to step S71, where it overseeswhether a download request has been issued.

Next, the fee assessment processing in data processing server 21 will beexplained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 16.

When transmission of processed information to user terminal device 23has been completed (step S81), computer unit 48 controls DB managementunit 50 to cause the fee assessment program to be read in from dataprocessing program unit 51 (step S82). Then, computer unit 48, basedupon this fee assessment program, determines the correct fee based uponthe amount of processed information delivered (step S83). Then, computerunit 48 controls DB management unit 50 to allot that fee to thecorresponding user terminal device 26, and accumulated service fee DB 53stores the accumulated fee (step S84). To wit, accumulated service feeDB 53 stores in memory the accumulated. amount of the fees for each userterminal device.

After accumulated service fee DB 53 has stored the service fee, computerunit 48 controls network communications unit 47 and causes the fee forthe current session and the accumulated fee to be transmitted to userterminal device 23 (step S85). This enables the user to find out fromuser terminal device 23 the fee for the data processing and theaccumulated fees.

Also, so long as the transmission of processed information has not beencompleted, computer unit 48 is free to perform other processing (stepS86), and then return to step S81 and wait until the transmission of theprocessed information has finished.

Here, as an example, the screen display on a wireless telephone employedas the user terminal device will be described. As explained for FIG. 7,with regard to the screen (display) of MM input/output unit 36, as shownin FIG. 17, the initial screen is a display of an information menu aboutthe current location. In the example in the figure, the current positioninformation includes a display of columns for selection of the name ofthe place, weather information and environmental information; selecting“Next” brings up a display of other information items.

If the place name selection is made, as explained for FIGS. 9 and 10,fixed data transmitter 24-2 sends place name information to the wirelesstelephone. Until that place name is received by the wireless phone, thedisplay shows “data being received” as shown in FIG. 17 b. FIG. 17(c)shows the example of acquiring information on the platform name in asubway station, where as place name information, the display reads“Nagoya City, Chigusa-ku Sakae, Sakae Subway Station, platform of theHigashiyama line.”

As described above, when place name information is obtained for asubway, etc., it is necessary for fixed data transmitter 24-2 to acquirethe fixed data, but above ground, equipping the wireless telephone witha GPS receiver enables position information to be obtained from theelectric transmissions (GPS signals) from the GPS satellites. In thiscase, the GPS satellites would correspond to a fixed data transmitter24-2, but in order for the wireless telephone to obtain place nameinformation from the GPS satellite transmissions, it must be able toperform the conversion processing to convert latitude and longitude datainto place name information.

In the example depicted in FIG. 17, a wireless telephone was used asuser terminal device 23, but user terminal device 23 is not confined towireless telephones, it could also be a notebook computer, PDA or wristwatch based terminal.

At this point, explanation will be made with reference to FIG. 18 ofacquiring commuter train operational information using a wirelesstelephone as user terminal device 23 while on the platform of a trainstation (here, the reference number for the wireless telephone is 23).

When a user wants information about train arrivals using wirelesstelephone 23 while standing on station platform 55, he inputs thestartup operation for wireless phone 23 (i.e. selects the schedule oftrain arrivals from the menu displayed on its screen), which causes thedata transmitters located in the sensor field, including platform 55, totransmit sensing data and fixed data from their data transmitters towireless telephone 23 (In FIG. 18, the data transmitters are of thepassive type, and in the Figure, the fixed data transmitter is referredto as sensor 57 for the position information tag 56.)

When wanting to find out the train's arrival time, the train arrivaltime request is input, which causes it to be sent to the datatransmitter (which, in this case, is position data tag 56). In responseto this, wireless telephone 23 displays the train arrival schedule menushown in FIG. 19(a). Now if the user selects “express train,” the nextmenu is displayed for route selection for commuting inbound to oroutbound from the city.

Here, when the user selects the route going inbound, the currentlocation information (position data) is sent from position data tag 56to wireless telephone 23 (while receiving the position data, wirelesstelephone 23 displays the “receiving sensor data” message on itsscreen). When the reception of the position data is complete, asdescribed previously, the position data along with the request for theexpress train into the city is transmitted to the data processing server(Center) (the network is not shown in FIG. 18). At this time, as shownin FIG. 19(d), the message on wireless telephone 23's display reads“transmitting data to the Center.”

Here, operations system 58 is managing commuter train operations, andoperational data from each train 59 is sent to train operating system58. In other words, each train transmits operational data such as itslocation and speed to the train operations system 58. Based upon thisoperational data, the display on train operations system 58 shows thetype of each train, the direction it is running, its position, etc.

Now, with reference to FIG. 20, data processing server 21 (Center)oversees whether or not acquired information (sensing data and/or fixeddata) has been received from a user terminal device (wireless phone) 23(step S91), and if acquired information is received (here it is positiondata, train speed and direction data), as described above, computer unit48 (FIG. 8) reads the appropriate processing program from the dataprocessing program unit 51 (FIG. 8) (step S92).

Then, data processing server 21 (that is, computer unit 48) determineswhether there is a need to acquire data from another system (step S93).Since in this case, information about the arrival time of an (inbound)express train is needed, the determination is made that data must beacquired from another system (here it is train operations system 58),and data processing server 21 issues a data acquisition request to trainoperations system 58. Making the data acquisition request, requests theacquisition of data related to the (inbound) express train.

Train operations system 58 responds to the data acquisition request, andtransmits train data to data processing server 21. In the exampledepicted in the figure, since the data acquisition request related tothe (inbound) express train, train operations system 58 transmitted datarelated to the (inbound) express trains to data processing server 21. Inother words, data processing server 21 acquires data about the (inbound)express trains (step S94).

Next, data processing server 21, based upon the current location datareceived from wireless telephone 23 and the time, searches data on the(inbound) express trains to determine the location (i.e. train station)of the express train closest to the current location. In other words,data processing server 21 processes the data on the (inbound) expresstrains to obtain processed data (step S95). As a result of its searchprocessing, information is transmitted to wireless telephone 23 by dataprocessing server 21 that is related to the closest station that theexpress train has passed (including the expected arrival time at theuser's station) as the expected arrival time for the train (step S96).

In step S91, if the acquisition data is not received from user terminaldevice 23, data processing server 21 engages in other processing (stepS97), and then returns to step S91; or, if in step S93, if adetermination is made that it is not necessary to obtain data fromanother system, data processing server 21 performs step S95.

As described above, acquired data is transmitted to data processingserver 21 by wireless telephone 23, and when the train's expectedarrival time data is received from data processing server 21, first, asshown in FIG. 19 e), a message “receiving data from the Center” isdisplayed on the screen of wireless telephone 23. Then, after completionof the reception, a message such as shown in FIG. 19(f) is displayed onthe screen of wireless telephone 23 that indicates the train's scheduledarrival time, that it is an express train, that it has passed locationXX, and that it is expected to arrive at 9:35.

This makes it possible for a user to easily obtain train operatingschedules (train arrival times) while standing on platform 55 in a trainstation.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 21 through 23, an example of obtainingweather information for one's destination from platform 55 in a trainstation will be described.

First a selection is made from the function menu displayed on the screenof wireless telephone 23 to acquire information about the weather at thedestination (that is, start up input is performed. FIG. 21(a)). Whenacquiring weather data about the destination, it is necessary todownload from the Center (data processing server 21) a destinationweather data acquisition program (if wireless telephone 23 does notalready have the destination weather data acquisition function). Thus,when the selection is made to get the weather information for thedestination at the wireless telephone 23, the screen displays a messageasking whether or not to download the destination weather dataacquisition program (FIG. 21(b)).

When the user selects “Yes,” wireless telephone 23 displays“transmitting download request to the Center, (FIG. 21(c)), and thedownload request is transmitted to the Center (See FIG. 22, at thistime, wireless telephone 23 transmits to the Center the position dataobtained from position data tag 56).

The Center, that is, data processing server 21, as described for FIG.15, references the position data from wireless telephone 23, andsearches from among its processing programs, for the destination weatherdata acquisition program, and then transmits that program to wirelesstelephone 23 (see FIG. 22). At this time, wireless telephone 23 displaysthe message “receiving program from the Center” (FIG. 21(d)).

When wireless telephone 23 has completed its reception of thedestination weather data acquisition program, said program is executed.Executing the destination weather data acquisition program causes thedestination weather data acquisition program menu to be displayed onwireless telephone 23 (FIG. 21(e)).

Now, when the user selects “Chikusa” from the destination weather datamenu, if the acquisition of such destination weather information is afee-based service, the screen of wireless telephone 23, where thedestination weather data acquisition program is running, displays awarning message that a service fee is required (FIG. 23(a)), such as:“Acquiring information on the weather at this destination entails a feeof 5 yen”. At this point, if the user selects “Yes,” wireless telephone23, that is, the destination weather data acquisition program, sends arequest to the Center to obtain weather data for Chikusa-ku. At thistime, a message is displayed on the screen of wireless telephone 23,“transmitting data to the Center” (FIG. 23(b)).

Data processing server 21 then, based upon the request for weather dataand as was explained for FIG. 20, obtains the appropriate weather dataand transmits it as processed data to wireless telephone 23. At thistime, the message displayed on wireless telephone 23 is: “receiving datafrom the Center” (FIG. 23(c)). To wit, data processing server 23 makesthe determination of whether or not it is necessary to retrieve the datafrom another system (which in this case would be a weather datacommunications server, etc.), and if it is necessary, it then acquiresthe weather data from the other system.

In providing this weather data, as explained with regard to FIG. 16,data processing server 21 undertakes fee processing.

After the completion of receipt of the weather data, wireless telephone23, to wit, the destination weather data acquisition program therein,causes the weather information for the Chikusa station area andsurrounds to be displayed on the screen (FIG. 23(d)). For example, asshown in FIG. 23(d), weather information for the Chikusa area might bedisplayed as: “Current time: (9:30 AM), temperature: (27° C.), humidity:(58%), Clear, winds north-northwest at 2 m/s” along with a display ofthe fee, “A 5 yen fee was charged for this service.”As described above,a user can easily obtain weather information for this destination. Atthat time, since it is only necessary for the processing program to bedownloaded at the user's request from data processing server 21, verylittle load is imposed upon data processing server 21.

Next, an example of the user terminal device being an automobile will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 24.

Here, we will assume that the above-described sensing data transmittersand fixed data transmitters have been installed along the roadway. Inthe example shown in FIG. 24, the sensing data transmitters are referredto as ambient environment sensors 60, which are capable, for example, oftransmitting data on rain volume, wind velocity, temperature, humidity,etc. On the other hand, position information tag 61 transmitsinformation on the position where it is installed.

Vehicle (mobile apparatus) 62 includes the hardware configuration shownin FIG. 25. Here, the same component elements that were described forthe user terminal device described with reference to FIG. 7 will begiven identical reference numbers. Further, mobile unit 62 is equippedwith a specialized device/equipment function unit 63 with functions thatwill be described below. Although it is not shown in FIG. 27, it may befurther equipped with MM input/output unit 36.

Referring to FIG. 26, specialized device/equipment function unit 63 isequipped with the usual devices and equipment carried on vehicle 62, forexample, the specialized device/equipment function unit 63 includes astartup unit (start key) 63 a, starter unit (starter motor, spark plugs)63 b, braking unit (brakes) 63 c, drive unit (engine) 63 d, shaftengagement unit (clutch) 63 e, speed changing unit (transmission) 63 f,drive wheels (tires) 63 g, control unit (controller) 63 h, accelerationunit (accelerator) 63 i, fuel supply unit (fuel tank) 63 j, directionalsteering unit (handle) 63 k, fuel container (fuel tank) 63 m, fuelremainder detector (liquid surface sensor) 63 n, vehicle positiondetector (sensor) 63 o, and electronic equipment operating unit 63 p.Control unit 63 h controls other devices/equipment. Control unit 63 h isalso connected with computer unit 38 (FIG. 25).

As shown in FIG. 26, control unit 63 h is equipped with a computer unit(CPU) and a memory unit; control unit 63 h can detect the state of otherdevices and equipment and control those devices and equipment. It isalso equipped with a user interface to respond to any need to controlother devices or equipment. To wit, the user (driver) uses theinterface, the steering wheel of the steering unit, the accelerator ofthe acceleration unit, and the brakes of the braking unit, and uses thestarter key of the starter unit.

Fuel remainder detector 63 n detects the amount of fuel remaining insidefuel tank 63 m and passes the amount of remaining fuel to control unit63 h. The residual fuel detection unit 63 n may be comprised, forexample, of a liquid surface sensor. The vehicle position detection unit63 o detects the vehicle's position. For example, the vehicle positiondetection unit 63 o may receive electronic signals from GPS satellites(GPS signals), to determine the vehicle's current position and pass thatto control unit 63 h. Electronic equipment operations unit 63 pfunctions to operate the electronic equipment carried on the vehicle;examples of such electronic equipment include electronic locks,windshield wipers, headlights, directional signals (turn signals),various lamps (brake lamps, hazard lamps, etc.), speedometer, tachometer(engine RPM counter), audio equipment such as the radio and CD player,the cabin illumination, etc.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 24 through 26, vehicle 62 will obtainambient environment data and position data as it travels along the roadvia sensing equipment communications unit 37 of vehicle 62, whichacquires the foregoing data from ambient environment sensors 60 andposition data tags 61 (in this case, ambient environment sensors 60 andposition data tags 61 are of the active type).

Then, as was described for FIG. 7, computer unit 38 transmits theambient environment data and position data to data processing server 21via a network (which includes wireless networks). This enables dataprocessing server 21 to collect ambient environment data and positionfrom vehicle 62. In sum, data processing server 21 collects ambientenvironment data and position data on vehicle 62 just as if it were ameasurement terminal device.

Data processing server 21 is informed of and accumulates position dataand the respective ambient environmental data (such as rainfall amount,wind speed, temperature and humidity) for each position. This collectionof environmental data can be used to respond to request from userterminal devices (not limited to those in vehicles). For example, asexplained for FIGS. 21 through 23, if a user terminal device requestsacquisition of destination weather information, the above describedcollection of environmental data can be applied to this task.

On the other hand, control unit 63 h is receiving vehicle statusinformation such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, and remaining fuel, andcontrol unit 63 h passes this data on the vehicle's operational state tocomputer unit 38. Then, computer unit 38 transmits the vehicle operatingstatus data from its network communications unit 40 to data processingserver 21.

Data processing server 21 can then provide vehicle 62 with a variety ofprocessed information based on the vehicle operating status data. Forexample, data processing server 21 could be equipped with cartographicaldata (map data) for areas around the country, or, when it detects thatthe remaining fuel has dropped to a certain level, it can send thevehicle processed data on the location of the nearest gas station.

Further, should the vehicle's speed exceed some predetermined settingfor the location in which it is operating, information server 21 couldissue a warning as processed information to vehicle 62. Further, if theengine RPM exceeded a certain predetermined level, data processingserver 21 could transmit a warning as processed information to vehicle62.

In addition, since data on the position of the vehicle is available todata processing server 21, it is possible for information server 21 toknow the route the vehicle has traveled based upon the position data.Then, if vehicle 62 provides data processing server 21 with its startingpoint and destination, data processing server 21 can use all of theinformation to find the best route, compare it with the route that isbeing traveled, and issue route corrections to vehicle 62.

As was described above, vehicle 62 can perform just as if it were ameasurement terminal device by collecting the ambient environmentaldata, and on the data processing server side, there is no need for it tomanage the ambient environment sensors themselves. Moreover, since thevehicle itself is managed by the user, it is possible to reduce the loadon data processing server 21 in collecting the ambient environment data.It is also possible on the user side, to have only required informationpassed to the user.

FIGS. 27 and 28 will illustrate the case in which the vehicle itself isnot equipped with the hardware described in FIG. 25, to wit, aspecialized device/equipment function unit 63. A user terminal device(e.g. wireless telephone) 23 such as was described using FIG. 7, etc.,connects with an in-vehicle LAN such as special device/equipmentfunction unit 63, and processing is performed as described in FIGS. 24through 26.

As shown in FIG. 28 for the case when the user terminal device iswireless telephone 23, this wireless telephone, just as the userterminal device described in FIG. 7, is equipped with a MM input/outputunit (not shown), sensing equipment communications unit 37, computerunit 38, memory unit 39, network communications unit 40, DB managementunit 41, process program unit 42, sensing information DB 43, processingprogram DB 44, program data unit 45, as well as connector unit 64.Connector 64 is used to connect specialized devices/equipment functionunit 63 (control unit 63 h) to wireless telephone 23.

With this configuration for wireless telephone 23, as shown in FIG. 24,ambient environment data and position data can be acquired respectivelyfrom ambient environment sensors 60 and position data tags 61 and thentransmitted to data processing server 21. It is further possible toacquire vehicle operational state information from specializeddevice/equipment function unit 63 and transmit it from wirelesstelephone 23 to data processing server 21. As a result, it is possibleto perform the same types of processing as were described with referenceto FIGS. 24 through 26.

Also, as shown in FIG. 29, in the case of a user terminal device 23 notequipped with connector unit 64 (for example, a wireless telephone: towit, a wireless telephone having the same hardware configuration shownin FIG. 7) carried by a user who boards vehicle 62 a, it is possible totransmit the same ambient environment data and position data to dataprocessing server 21 as was described in relation to FIGS. 24 through26. As a result, it would be possible to obtain processed data regardingthe vehicle's route, etc.

Further, although data processing server 21 can not automaticallytransmit the vehicle operational state information to data processingserer 21, it is possible to acquire the closest gas station, forexample, by manually transmitting to data processing server 21 the dataof fuel remaining inside fuel tank after checking the fuel remainderdetector.

Next, an explanation will be provided for employing a user terminaldevice (e.g. a wireless telephone) to summons a taxi with reference toFIG. 30.

In the illustrated example, taxi 65 is equipped with the same kind ofuser terminal device that was described in FIG. 7 (e.g. a wirelesstelephone). In other words, the taxi driver is carrying a wirelesstelephone. Also, the user is carrying a wireless telephone of the sametype described in FIG. 7. The explanation below uses reference number 66for the taxi driver's wireless phone, and reference number 67 for theuser's wireless phone.

At this point, if the user (taxi user) wants to get taxi 65, he uses hiswireless telephone 67 to transmit the taxi dispatch request to dataprocessing server 26 (a request to send a taxi) (In FIG. 30, the networkhas been omitted from the illustration). This taxi dispatch requestincludes the destination as well as the wireless phone number ofwireless phone 67

This data processing server 21 is of the same hardware configuration asdescribed for FIG. 8, and in the illustrated example, it functions as ataxi dispatch center. In sum, data processing server 21 dispatches taxisbased upon taxi requests from users.

Using a procedure similar to that in FIG. 18, data processing server 21could also be set up send and receive data with a separate taxidispatching center (but for purposes of this explanation, dataprocessing server 21 shall function as the taxi dispatch center).

As described above, each taxi wireless telephone 66 obtains positiondata from the position data tags (fixed data transmitter) 56, and when ataxi dispatch request is transmitted, this position data is transmittedfrom wireless telephone 66 to data processing server 21. In a similarmanner, each taxi's wireless phone 66 receives position data fromposition data tag 56, and each taxi's wireless phone transmits itscurrent position to data processing server 21. In other words, dataprocessing server 21 has information on the positions of all of thetaxies assigned to it, and it maintains and manages the taxis.

When data processing center 21 receives a taxi dispatch request from auser's wireless telephone 67 (which includes information about thelocation of the user), it searches on the positions of all taxies tofind the taxi (i.e. wireless telephone 66) that is closest to the user'scurrent location to which it transmits dispatch instructions. Thesedispatch instructions include the telephone number of the user'swireless telephone 67 and the user's location information. At the sametime, data processing server 21 can transmit a message to wirelesstelephone 67 indicating that a taxi has been dispatched. This taxidispatch message would include the telephone number of the taxi'swireless telephone 66, his vehicle number, etc.

When the dispatch indication has been completed, both the user and taxidriver can confirm their identities using their wireless telephones 66and 67 before the user boards the taxi. For example, if the user'spersonal telephone number for his wireless phone 67 is transmitted tothe wireless phone 66 of the taxi, the driver can confirm that he wasthe user who sent the dispatch request before allowing him to board thetaxi.

Although the explanation for FIG. 30 assumed the user terminal device tobe wireless phones, to wit, it was explained using a user terminaldevice configured as shown in FIG. 29, the taxi 65 may have theconfiguration shown in FIG. 25, or the configuration shown in FIG. 27(or FIG. 28).

In the example shown in FIG. 30, it was possible to quickly dispatch thetaxi that was closest to the user's location, and the user was able toget a vacant taxi very easily. Such a system would also allow the taxidriver to earn more money.

Further, FIG. 31 shows an example of a user himself having a datatransmitter (fixed data transmitter). For example, the user could carrya card-shaped data transmitter. In this example, this data transmitterwill be called a taxi ticket. This taxi ticket 68 is used as a data tag.Prerecorded on this data tag 68 is data about the individual user (thetelephone number of his wireless telephone, etc., but this wirelesstelephone is not a user terminal device (it is merely a conventionalwireless telephone)).

It would be possible to record data such as the destination on each taxiticket at the time of its issuance. When the user used his taxi ticket,his personal data and destination would be transmitted as a taxidispatch request (at this time, as previously described, the destinationcould be previously recorded on the ticket, or at the time it was used,it could be input onto taxi ticket 68). Then a taxi located in the samesensor field as taxi ticket 68 would receive on its user terminal device(e.g. wireless telephone 66) the taxi dispatch request.

In response to this taxi dispatch request, the wireless phone 66 of thetaxi 65 that was the object of the ride request (dispatch request) wouldtransmit a permission to dispatch request to data processing server 21(taxi dispatch center). At this time, wireless telephone 66 would obtainposition data tag 56 as position data, and in addition to transmittingthe taxi's own current location to data processing server 21, it wouldalso transmit the aforementioned destination data to data processingserver 21.

At data processing server 21, when it receives the request to dispatchrequest from wireless telephone 66, it considers the current locationinformation for the taxi and the destination information and decides togrant permission for the taxi to pickup the passenger. For example, whenfrom the taxi's current position data and the pickup location data itwas determined that the distance between the pickup location and thecurrent location was close, predetermined rules could be applied (suchas in the order of the taxi with fewest riders up to the current pointin time) in determining the permission to grant ride request.

After the determination is made to grant the ride request to taxi 65,data processing center 21, in addition to transmitting the pick-approvalto the taxi it selected, transmits pickup refusals to the other taxis.This pickup approval contains the above described personal data.

The taxi 65 receiving the pickup approval, can then confirm, based uponthe personal information of the rider from his wireless telephone 66that the dispatch request was associated with that particular user'swireless telephone (which is not a user terminal device but aconventional telephone), and then, the user can board the taxi.

The explanation provided for FIG. 31 employed wireless telephone 66 as auser terminal device, to wit, as the explanation associated with FIG.29, the phone was used as the user terminal device. Taxi 65 may,however, use the configuration shown in FIG. 25, or further, theconfiguration shown in FIG. 27 (and FIG. 28).

FIG. 32 will be referenced to describe a user terminal device (e.g.wireless telephone 67) for the user to board a bus.

Bus 69 is equipped with fixed data transmitter 70, and this fixed datatransmitter 70 transmits data on the bus (e.g. route name anddestination, etc. which will be referred to below as “bus data”). When auser desires to ride a bus, he starts wireless telephone 67 and inputshis desired destination.

This causes the user's current location to be obtained from positiondata tag 56 as user location information. Wireless telephone 67 in thebus, being with the same sensor field, transmits the bus data from fixeddata transmitter 70 to wireless telephone 67.

When the bus data is received, wireless telephone 67 transmits theaforementioned destination information, the current location of theuser, and the bus information as a bus boarding request to dataprocessing server 21 (the network is not shown in FIG. 32), which inthis example, functions as a bus center. Thus, the data processingserver performs bus confirmation in response to the user's bus boardingrequest.

Using a procedure similar to that described for FIG. 18, data processingserver 21 could also send and receive data with a separately establishedbus operations center, and perform bus confirmations as above (but inthe explanation below, data processing center 21 will be described asfunctioning as the bus operations center.

When data processing server 21 receives the bus boarding request(destination information, user location, and bus information), itdetermines whether it is possible to board the bus in question. In otherwords, based upon the destination and bus information, it determines ifthe bus is going to that destination. If the bus is not going to therequested destination, boarding is not possible, and a message to thateffect is sent to portable telephone 67. On the other hand, if the busdoes go to that destination, a message is sent to portable telephone 67indicating it is possible to use that bus.

Further, data processing server 21 can also determine, based upon thedestination data and the user location data, whether or not at thecurrent point in time, the bus going to the desired location has alreadypassed. (in other words, that a bus going to the user's destination willnot come along), and if so, it transmits a message to wireless telephone67.

In this manner, the user is easily able to obtain bus information forhis desired destination by using the bus operations system; even if heis going to an unfamiliar place, there will be no confusion about whichbus to board.

Area of Utility to the Industry

As has been described above, the present invention facilitates thetransmission from a data transmitter of predetermined fixed data and/orsensing data, the receipt by a user terminal device of located in apredetermined space of the fixed data, and the transmission via anetwork by the terminal device of the fixed data as acquired data to adata processing server along with a data processing request, in a mannersuch that the data processing server can generate and transmit back tothe terminal device, processed data based upon the processing requestand the acquired data without any requirement for the data processingserver to oversee or manage sensing data, etc, to thereby make itpossible to reduce the load upon the data processing server.

Further, making it possible for the terminal device to function as asensor terminal for the collection of data, has the effect of allowingdata to be collected without the data processing server employing aspecialized system such as a sensor terminal. Additionally, since thereis no need for a specialized system, universality is improved, and itcan be applied very easily to a variety of data provision systems.

Further still, since there is no need for the data processing server tomanage sensors, sensor terminals etc. for the measurement of physicalphenomena or physical quantities, the invention is effective in reducingthe load upon the data processing server. To wit, the data processingserver must only manage acquired data that has been transmitted to it bya terminal device; it does not have to manage all sensor data. In otherwords it only must mange the data required by the terminal device.

Further, because the terminal device transmits acquired data and thedata processing server transmits back processed data, the inventioneffectively makes it possible to appropriately obtain all of therequired data (processed data).

1. A terminal device provided in a predetermined sensor field,comprising: a terminal transmission means that can transmit, via anetwork, to a data processing server, an acquired data acquired fromreceipting a sensing data comprising pre-specified fixed data and/orsensed physical phenomena or physical quantities within said sensorfield; and a terminal reception means that can receive a processed dataprocessed based upon said acquired data from said data processingserver.
 2. The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprisinga notification means that makes notifications on said acquired data andsaid processed data.
 3. The terminal device according to claim 1,further comprising a downloading means to download a special processingprogram from said data processing server when said acquired datarequires said special processing program to thereby process saidacquired data for transmitting to said data processing server.
 4. A dataprocessing server, comprising: a server reception means that can receivean acquired data from the terminal device according to claim 1; a serverprocessing means that can generate a processed data by processing saidacquired data; and a server transmission means that can transmit saidprocessed data to a terminal device.
 5. The data processing serveraccording to claim 4, further comprising a fee assessment means thatcomputes an amount of a fee to be charged based upon said processed datafor transmitting to said terminal device.
 6. The data processing serveraccording to claim 5, wherein said fee assessment means can accumulatethe amounts of fees assessed for each of said terminal devices.
 7. Thedata processing server according to claim 5, wherein said fee assessmentmeans notifies said terminal device that a fee is required prior tocompleting the generation of said processed data if said fee assessmentmeans determines said generation of said processed data is chargeable.8. The data processing server according to claim 4, wherein, whengenerating said processed data based upon said acquired data from saidterminal device, said server processing means receives a requisiteinformation from another system in order to execute a process requestsent from said terminal device, then generates said processed data basedupon said acquired data and said required information.
 9. The dataprocessing server according to claim 4, further comprising a searchmeans to search a special processing program among a plurality ofprocessing programs when said data processing server receives a downloadrequest from the terminal device according to claim 3, and said searchedprogram is downloaded to said terminal device in response to saiddownloaded request.
 10. An information provision system, comprising: afixed data transmitter, provided in a predetermined sensor field, thattransmits pre-specified fixed data; a terminal device that receives saidfixed data from said fixed data transmitter when said terminal devicemoves into said sensor field, and then transmits said fixed data via anetwork as an acquired data, and a data processing server which providesa processed data to said terminal device, processed based upon said dataacquired and a data processing request received from said terminaldevice.
 11. The information provision system according to claim 10,further comprising a sensing data transmitter which can transmit asensing data acquired by sensing physical phenomena or physicalquantities to said terminal device when said terminal device moves intosaid sensor field, so that said terminal device may forward said sensingdata as said acquired data to said data processing server.
 12. Theinformation provision system according to claim 10, wherein saidterminal device may be a first and a second terminal devices, said firstterminal device transmits said data processing request and a firstacquired data as a first set of acquired data to said data processingserver, said second terminal device transmits a second acquired data tosaid data processing server, then said data processing server, basedupon said processing request and said first set of acquired data,provides said processed data in response to said second acquired data,and transmits said processed data to said second terminal device. 13.The information provision system according to claim 10, wherein saidfixed data transmitter is installed in a mobile apparatus.
 14. Aninformation provision method, comprising: a first step to receive afixed data when a terminal device moves into a predetermined sensorfield; a second step to transmit said fixed data as an acquired data viaa network by said terminal device; and a third step to receive saidacquired data, then generate a processed data based upon the saidacquired data and a processing request from said terminal device, andprovide said processed data to said terminal device.
 15. The informationprovision method according to claim 14, wherein said terminal devicereceives a sensing data of physical phenomena or physical quantities insaid first step, and then said terminal device transmits said sensingdata as said acquired data to said data processing server in said secondstep.
 16. A data processing program for a computer which functions in amanner characterized in that a terminal transmission means receives apredetermined fixed data and/or a sensing data of physical phenomena orphysical quantities as an acquired data within a predetermined sensorfield, and transmits said acquired data via a network to a dataprocessing server, and a terminal reception means to receive theprocessing results from said data processing server that processed saidacquired data.
 17. A recordable media upon which a data processingprogram is recorded that is readable by a computer, said data processingcomprising: a first step to receive a fixed data when a terminal devicemoves into a predetermined sensor field; a second step to transmit saidfixed data as an acquired data via a network by said terminal device;and a third step to receive said acquired data, then generate aprocessed data based upon the said acquired data and a processingrequest from said terminal device, and provide said processed data tosaid terminal device.